Phase II: BTEXs Metabolites Results

In the first phase of testing, the urine samples for Ema, Hailey, and I tested positive for ethylbenzene and xylenes. Hailey’s blood had high levels of ethylbenzene and xylenes. Remember, VOCs in blood indicate recent exposure; and VOCs in urine indicate chronic exposure (like workers in the workplace). See Phase I: VOC Results.

As a follow-up, Dr. Hughes recommended a BTEXs Metabolites screening of the urine samples. We just received those results on April 19.

All three samples tested positive for metabolites for ethylbenzene, xylenes, and styrene. According to Dr. Hughes and the CSU doctor, it is inconclusive whether the presence of hippuric acid indicates the presence of toluene.

I can’t tell you what a metabolites screening is, but I can tell you what the results mean. They mean that the VOCs (or chemical compounds) are not just passing through our bodies, they are breaking down and entering our body tissues, proof of chronic exposure.

I have been asked about the quantities of ethylbenzene and xylenes in our urine samples. But it’s not about the quantity. It’s about finding out what the chemicals are doing inside our bodies, which was the purpose of the BTEXs Metabolites screening. The results confirm that we have not had a “casual” exposure to VOCs. The chemicals are breaking down, or metabolizing, inside our bodies.

This means we are at greater risk for developing cancers than people who do not have VOCs in their bodies. It certainly explains why we are having health problems.

Cost for second phase of testing: $1300 for CSU lab services
Total cost to date: $2025
Health insurance doesn’t cover these types of tests because they are voluntary. This is a family study. CSU is a research laboratory. We paid for the testing out-of-pocket.

The presence of ethylbenzene is what links our contamination to oil & gas drilling. Make no mistake about that. The state knows it. The industry knows it. The medical community knows it. The county knows it. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying.

As you can see, the testing occurred and the test results were released recently. These latest results, the BTEXs Metabolites, are more disturbing than the VOC results because they show a deeper contamination that I hoped had not yet occurred, especially with Hailey. It bothers me that her young body is so contaminated.

Then there’s the bigger picture. I know this is not just about my family – my daughter, my granddaughter. This is about all of us – infants, children, and adults. I’m sure it doesn’t surprise anyone when I say I’ve had a few panic attacks during the past couple weeks. This is overwhelming.

We need more time to process these latest results. Thank you all for your concerns and support. My family and I appreciate all of your private and public messages. Many people have questions. The purpose of these posts is to answer your questions publicly.

If you know any cancer patients from New Castle to Silt to Rifle to Parachute/Battlement Mesa who are interested in being tested please have them contact me: peggyt@siltnet.net

3 Comments on “Phase II: BTEXs Metabolites Results”

Peggy I feel for you and your family right now and hope that you all can recover from this. I feel for the others in your communities who are suffering the same symtoms but have not or could not afford these tests. Pressure needs to be brought to bare on the Oil companies and Government departments to fund these tests. Like all elected officials everyone is an expert and knows best, but in reality they know nothing, Oil companies pay these officials big bucks to talk their talk, this we all know happens but proving it is another thing. I wish you and your family all the best for your futures and hope you can go on to take the fight to them. I try through your posts to get the message across to the people of the United Kingdom were Fracking is a fairly recent industry move.

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